Sunday, September 30, 2012

The
Tompkins County Public Library and Ithaca City of Asylum will present, “Voices
of Freedom,” featuring human rights activist and award-winning journalist
Sonali Samarasinghe September 30 at 2 p.m. in the Library’s BorgWarner
Community Room."Voices
of Freedom” is an annual event designed to celebrate Freedom to Read Week.
This year, Samarasinghe, the fifth writer to be supported by ICOA, will
read from her work about the events that led her to seek exile from her native
Sri Lanka and discuss the role of journalism in effecting world change. A
lawyer, editor and journalist specializing in government corruption and human
rights, Samarasinghe—amidst threats for the safety of her family--fled Sri
Lanka following the 2009 assassination of her husband, well-known attorney,
publisher and activist Lasantha Wickrematunge. Her residency is being
supported through an appointment as Visiting Scholar in Residence within Ithaca
College’s Honors Program in the School of Humanities and Sciences.Since
arriving in the United States, Samarasinghe has establishedThe Lanka Standard,http://www.lankastandard.com, a website
devoted to the unbiased reporting of Sri Lankan events and freedom for the
country’s media. During her stay, she will teach at Ithaca College and
has plans to work on a book about the recent history of Sri Lanka’s media and
government.The
ICOA works with Ithaca College, Wells College and Cornell University to provide
sanctuary to writers whose works are suppressed, whose lives are threatened,
whose cultures are vanishing and whose languages are endangered. Formed as
part of an international network of cities of refuge, the group welcomed its
first resident writer, poet and essayistYi Ping(China) in 2001; its second, playwright and novelistReza
Daneshvar(Iran) in 2004; its third, poet and memoiristSarah
Mkhonza(Swaziland) in 2006; and its fourth, poet and playwrightIrakli
Kakabadze(Georgia) in 2008. The
Library event is free and open to the public; refreshments will be served.For
more information, contact Carrie Wheeler-Carmenatty at (607) 272-4557 extension
248 orcwheeler@tcpl.org.

Saturday, September 29, 2012

Girls ages 8 to 12 and the special women in their lives are
invited to attend the Tompkins County Public Library’s monthly Mother/Daughter
Book Club.Beginning September 29, the Mother/Daughter Book Club will meet once
a month from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. in the Library’s Thaler/Howell Programming Room.Facilitated by author and educator Emily Rhoads Johnson, the Club
provides a wonderful opportunity for participants to learn about themselves and
others by discussing literature in a welcoming, judgment-free
environment. Meeting dates and titles to be discussed are:

September 29—“Ruby Holler” by Sharon Creech

October 20—“Out of My Mind” by Sharon M. Draper

November 17—“The Best Bad Luck I Ever Had” by Kristin Levine

December 15—“Touch Blue” by Cynthia Lord

January 12—“Island of the Blue Dolphins” by Scott O’Dell

February 16—“Way Down Deep” by Ruth White

March 16—“Sahara Special” by Esmé Raji Codell

April 13—“The Bridge to Terabithia” by Katharine Paterson

May 4—“Seaglass Summer” by Anjali Banerjee

Participants may attend one or all of the meetings.
Registration is not required, and refreshments will be served.For more information, contact Carrie Wheeler-Carmenatty at (607)
272-4557 extension 248 or cwheeler@tcpl.org.

Monday, September 24, 2012

The Tompkins
County Public Library will celebrate school librarians from the TST BOCES
School Library System with an open house and reception September 24 from 3:30
to 5 p.m. in the Thaler/Howell Programming Room.Participating
librarians will be treated to refreshments, guided tours and an overview of the
resources TCPL has for educators and students. Informational packets which
offer tips and tools for using public library resources will also be provided.This program is
free and open to the public. For more information, contact Debbie Collier at
(607) 272-4557 extension 249.

Sunday, September 23, 2012

City
of Ithaca Mayor Svante Myrick, Ithaca College President Tom Rochon and
acclaimed author Michael Turback will launch the Tompkins County Public Library
Foundation’s 2012 Annual Appeal with “You Are Here: A Conversation About
Living and Learning in Tompkins County,” September 23 at 1 p.m. in the
Library’s BorgWarner Community Room.Inspired
by Turback’s enlightening and entertaining book “Surrounded by Reality: 101
Things You Didn’t Know About Ithaca, NY,” the program will explore--through
excerpts from the book and candid
observations from Myrick and Rochon--the compelling history, authentic
character and disarming allure of Ithaca and Tompkins County.Turback
will serve as moderator of the event, reading passages from his book and
soliciting insight from Myrick and Rochon on their perspectives of life in one
of America’s “most enlightened” cities. The audience will also have an
opportunity to participate during the event as Turback hosts a quiz show-style
game of local trivia.The
program serves to highlight the 2012 Annual Fund Campaign, for which Tom
Rochon, and his wife, Amber Rochon, serve as co-chairs. “We
are delighted to lead this year’s fundraising effort,” Tom said. “The
Rochon family is proud to be part of a community that so deeply recognizes the
importance of its public library and that so generously supports the library's
mission. Today more than ever, TCPL is at the hub of the most important
discussions being held in our community. The world of information
continues to grow by leaps and bounds, and one's ability to work with that
information is the most important skill for active citizenship and success in
life. The Library has taken a leadership role not only in helping us get
access to the information we need, but also in helping us navigate the
over-abundance of information that is out there.”This
program is free and open to the public; however, gifts andpledges toward the Foundation’s 2012 fundraising goal
of $285,000 will be appreciated. To make a donation, visit “donate
now,” mail a contribution to the Foundation in care of the Library, drop off a
check or contact Tompkins County Public Library Foundation Executive Director
Suzanne Smith Jablonski at ssmithjablonski@tcpl.org. Program
attendees who commit to a monthly pledge will receive a signed copy of
“Surrounded by Reality.”For
more information, contact Carrie Wheeler-Carmenatty at (607) 272-4557 extension
248 or cwheeler@tcpl.org.

Thursday, September 20, 2012

Teens
and tweens are invited to celebrate the start of summer with a free showing of “The
Hunger Games” September 20 at 5 p.m. in the Tompkins County Public Library’s Thaler/Howell
Programming Room.

This
movie has been selected with a teen audience in mind; however, parents are
encouraged to review ratings of the movie prior to allowing their teen to
attend. The Library does not restrict admittance to films based on age.

For
more information about this event or Library programming for Teens, contact the
Youth Services Department at (607) 272-4557 extension 275.

The
Tompkins County Public Library will host “Cultivating the Imagination,” a
childhood memoir writing workshop facilitated by Michelle Courtney Berry,
September 20 from noon to 2 p.m. in the Thaler/Howell Programming Room.

Held
in conjunction with the 2012 Community Read of Romain Gary’s “The Life Before
Us,” this workshop will encourage participants--through visualization and other
fun techniques--to borrow on long-forgotten memories, feelings and experiences
to create outstanding memoirs.

Berry,
the second Tompkins County Poet Laureate, a Cave Canem Poetry Fellow and the
winner of a CAP Award for Fiction, is the author of two books “The Month
Without Speaking” and the recently-released “Breathe”. A business owner,
performer, actor and artist, Berry has opened for Maya Angelou, Howard Zinn and
The Dalai Lama.

This
program is free and open to the public; however, space is limited and
pre-registration required. To register, contact Carrie Wheeler-Carmenatty
at (607) 272-4557 extension 248 or cwheeler@tcpl.org.

Participants
are asked to bring a device to write on or with, a bagged lunch, a digital
voice recorder (if available), a sleeping bag, pillow and flashlight, a
favorite passage from a childhood memoir and something that inspires writing
and sparks creativity. They will leave with the tools to create, continue
or complete their own memoirs.

“The
Life Before Us,” is told by Momo, an orphaned Arab boy and Madame Rosa, the
former lady of the night who cares for him and an ever-changing cast of
children with the aid of monthly checks she receives from their prostitute
mothers. When the checks stop coming and Madame Rosa’s health begins to
fail, the book’s real stories of love, belonging, identity and loss begin to
emerge.

Multiple
copies of the book are available to borrow from the Library’s collection,
courtesy of Cornell University.

For
more information about Community Read programming, contact Carrie
Wheeler-Carmenatty at (607) 272-4557 extension 248 or cwheeler@tcpl.org. For more
information about the Community Read, or to request free copies of the book for
a book group or not-for-profit organization, contact Community Read Coordinator
Sarah Glogowski at (607) 272-4557 extension 255 or sglogowski@tcpl.org.

Monday, September 17, 2012

The
Tompkins County Public Library and the Tompkins County Civil War
Sesquicentennial Celebration Commission will present “Fields of Fame and
Glory: Tompkins County Heroes of the 137th New York,
Gettysburg and Beyond,” a presentation by author David Cleutz, September 17 at
6 p.m. in the BorgWarner Community Room.“Fields
of Fame and Glory” will offer an illustrated look at one of New York’s most
celebrated regiments and provide insight into the lives of the 300 men
recruited, trained and led by Colonel David Ireland.From
the fields of Gettysburg to the battles of Chattanooga and Wauhatchie, the men
of the 137th served as a unit of strength for the North, fighting in
pivotal contests like Peachtree Creek, the March to the Sea and the march
through the Carolinas which ended the war.The
137th and Ireland were recognized with monuments at
Gettysburg, Wauhatchie, Lookout Mountain and Ringgold Gap and have been
heralded in Civil War books, documentaries and websites.Cleutz is the pen-name of David Clutz,
a historian and author with roots in the Gettysburg area. A Binghamton
resident, Cleutz received the Association of Public Historians of New York’s
Excellance in Promoting Local History award in 2010 and has written three books
on the Civil War: “War & Redemption: A Civil War Tale,” “Fields of
Fame & Glory: Col. David Ireland and the 137th NY, a Regimental
History” and “Rebels in the Front Yard: Liberty at Gettysburg.” This
program is being presented as part of a five-year partnership between the
Library and the Tompkins County Civil War Sesquicentennial Celebration
Commission to provide opportunities for community conversation and increased
awareness about the Civil War. It is free and open to the public.For more
information about Library programs, contact Carrie Wheeler-Carmenatty at cwheeler@tcpl.orgor (607) 272-4557 extension 248.
For information about the Tompkins County Civil War Sesquicentennial
Commemoration Commission, contact Carol Kammen, Tompkins County historian, at ckk6@cornell.edu.

Thursday, September 13, 2012

The Tompkins County Public Library and Ithaca’s Seneca
Street Starbucks will partner September 13 for a demonstration by the
“Freeloading Librarians,” a group of library staff members offering
instruction, advice, and support for downloading free eBooks and audiobooks to
mobile devices. The demonstration will be held from 1 to 2 p.m. and include
personal assistance for downloading books to iPads, iPods, Kindles, Nooks and
smartphones through the Finger Lakes Library System’s free Overdrive Media
Console application. Participants should bring their library card or sign up for a free
card at the event. Photo identification with a current, local address is
required to receive a library card.This program is part of an ongoing series of “Freeloading
Librarian” programs designed to increase digital confidence and awareness among
readers.Additional demonstrations will be held:

September 20 from noon to 1:30 p.m. at The YMCA of Ithaca

September 26 from 1 to 2:30 p.m. at Alternatives Federal Credit Union

October 16 from noon to 1 p.m. at The History Center

For more information, contact Jennifer Schlossberg at (607)
272-4557 extension 254 or jschlossberg@tcpl.org.

Wednesday, September 12, 2012

The
Tompkins County Public Library will host Cornell University Professor Stacey
Langwick for a presentation of “Medicine and Healing: Navigating Life and
Death,” September 12 at 6 p.m. in the Thaler/Howell Programming Room.Being
held in conjunction with the 2012 Community Read of Romain Gary’s “The Life
Before Us,” this program will explore what “health” means in various healing
traditions, examine how different groups define sickness, misfortune and
caregiving and offer an intimate look at the personal realities of life and
death.Langwick,
an associate professor of Anthropology, borrows ideas and inspiration from “The
Life Before Us,” and its characters’ relationships with medicine for this
fascinating discussion.“The
Life Before Us,” is told by Momo, an orphaned Arab boy and Madame Rosa, the
former lady of the night who cares for him and an ever-changing cast of
children with the aid of monthly checks she receives from their prostitute
mothers. When the checks stop coming and Madame Rosa’s health begins to
fail, the book’s real stories of love, belonging, identity and loss begin to
emerge.This
program is free and open to the public. For more information, contact
Community Read Coordinator Sarah Glogowski at (607) 272-4557 extension 255 or sglogowski@tcpl.org.****Please
note, the date and location of this program have been changed from previous
Community Read publicity.

Tuesday, September 11, 2012

The Tompkins County Public Library will host
Professor Daniel R. Schwarz for a discussion and signing of his
much-acclaimed book, "Endtimes?: Crises and Turmoil at The New York
Times," September 11 at 6 p.m. in the BorgWarner Community Room.

An award-winning teacher and gifted speaker, Schwarz is the
Frederic J. Whiton Professor of English Literature and a Stephen H. Weiss
Presidential Fellow at Cornell University.He has written a lively,
readable, and informative portrayal of "America's most important
newspaper" which he calls "the worst newspaper in the world except
for all the others."

"Endtimes?" masterfully explores, through more
than 40 in-depth interviews--including those with every living editor and the
current publisher--the struggles, controversies and triumphs of The New York
Times during the first decade of the 21st century.

From major editorial
mistakes and irresponsible reporting--including the claim that Iraq had Weapons
of Mass Destruction-- to competition from 24-hour television news channels and
an increasing number of free news outlets, Schwarz expertly describes where the
newspaper has been, where it is, and where it is headed.

This program is free and open to the public. Signed
copies of the book-will be available for purchase at the event courtesy of Buffalo
Street Books.

For more information, contact Carrie Wheeler-Carmenatty at
(607) 272-4557 extension 248 or cwheeler@tcpl.org.

Friday, September 7, 2012

In
conjunction with its current exhibit “Heart Gallery,” the Tompkins County
Public Library will host representatives from the Tompkins County Department of
Social Services for discussions on adoption and foster care September 7 at 5
p.m. and September 12 at noon.A photographic exhibit of foster children awaiting forever families, “Heart
Gallery” is designed to raise awareness about the need for foster and adoptive
families in Central New York. Portraits
included in the exhibit were photographed by members of the Professional
Photographer’s Society of Central New York and private photographers. The
images will be on display at the Library through October 5.People
interested in learning more about foster care and adoption are encouraged to attend
one of the discussions, which will include brief remarks followed by question
and answer sessions.For
more information about the exhibit or presentations, contact Sally Grubb at
(607) 272-4557 extension 232 or sgrubb@tcpl.org. To
learn more about adoption in New York, visit the New York State Office of
Children and Family Services website at www.ocfs.state.ny.us or contact Debbie
McKane at the Homefinding, Adoption, and Foster Care Unit of the Tompkins
County Department of Social Services at (607) 274-5259.

The Tompkins County
Public Library will showcase an assortment of thought-provoking and timely
exhibits during Downtown Ithaca’s Gallery Night from 5 to 8 p.m. September 7.

Being highlighted during
Gallery Night are: “Farewell,” an exhibit of ceramic birch sculptures created
by nationally-exhibiting, renowned sculptor Eric Seritella, “Banned Books, a
display of books torn from the shelves of school and public libraries, “Drawing
on Democracy,” an exhibit that challenges the meaning and interpretation of the
word “democracy” and “Heart Gallery,” an exhibit of photographs of available
foster children waiting for forever families.

“Farewell” marks Seritella’s
last local show before his family relocates and showcases his magnificent,
hand-carved ceramic trompe l’oeil creations which transform clay into life-like
birch sculptures.

In celebration of TCPL’s
Freedom to Read Week, the library will highlight “Banned Books,” a display of
books that have been challenged or banned from schools, public libraries and by
national governments due to their content.

This provocative exhibit is
designed to remind readers of the importance of access to uncensored
literature.

“Drawing on Democracy,” offers
a glimpse into the definition of “democracy” according to nine local artists.

Curated by Terry Plater,
“Drawing on Democracy,” features multi-media pieces by Ben Altman, Stan Bowman,
Jane Dennis, Yvonne Piburn, Steven Phillips, Nancy Ridenour, Werner Sun, Marion
Van Soest and Plater and offers a visual and hands-on exploration of
democracy. Issues explored by the exhibit include: the honorable
treatment of children, the unambiguous recognition of religious freedom, the
flag as a metaphor for inclusion or as a fabric of disarray, the spectrum of
public participation and the notion of artistic expression and creation.

“Drawing on Democracy” is
supported by a grant from the Community Arts Partnership.

The final exhibit, “Heart
Gallery” showcases photographs of children who have been cleared for adoption
by New York State. Local Foster/Adoption advocates will offer a
presentation on fostering and adopting older children at the Library from 5 to
6 p.m. during Gallery Night.

Gallery Night is free and open
to the public. Access to library exhibits during this event will be
through the BorgWarner Community Room entrance, which is located under the
awning behind the Green Street TCAT bus shelter and adjacent to Gimme! Coffee.

For more information about
these or other library exhibits, contact Sally Grubb at (607) 272-4557
extension 232 or sgrubb@tcpl.org.

Thursday, September 6, 2012

The
Tompkins County Public Library and the Finger Lakes Independence Center have
partnered for the return of the popular “Topic Workshop” series Thursdays from
September 6 through October 11 from 2:30 to 4:30 in the Library’s BorgWarner
Community Room.

Launched
in 2011, the “Topic Workshop” uses reading, writing and conversation to
understand a specific theme. This year’s theme is “value,” and
participants will learn step-by-step processes for writing poems, short stories
and personal essays that express their views on the theme and discuss works
that relate to “value” published by authors with disabilities.

These
workshops are free and open to the public and will be facilitated by Steve
Weed. Individuals with and without disabilities are encouraged to
discover how reading, writing and conversation help build self-awareness.

The
Tompkins County Public Library has announced the addition of six Nook Simple
Touch™ eReaders to its teen collection.Teen
Services Librarian Regina DeMauro-Axel said eReaders are an important tool to
keep young adults engaged in reading and to ensure that they are afforded
access to emerging technology.“We
recognize that teens live in a fast-paced, technologically advanced world and
we want to help them learn to thrive in that environment,” DeMauro-Axel
said. “It is our hope that by promoting the use of eReaders and eBooks,
teens will become comfortable with a new technology and help cement their
comfort with the constantly evolving digital world.”Each
Nook® has been pre-loaded with 200 popular young adult titles in a variety of
genres and can be borrowed—with a valid library card—for up to three weeks.The
devices were purchased by the Library with the support of the Tompkins County
Public Library Foundation through generous grant funding from the Triad
Foundation.For
more information about TCPL’s teen services and programs, contact DeMauro-Axel
at (607) 272-4557 extension 274 or rdemauroaxel@tcpl.org.

Wednesday, September 5, 2012

The Tompkins County Public Library will offer opportunities
for readers to talk about the 2012 Community Read, “The Life Before Us” by
Romain Gary, as Community Read Coordinator Sarah Glogowski hosts two book
discussion groups September 5 at 11 a.m. and September 6 at 6 p.m. in the
BorgWarner Community Room West.

Participants of all ages are invited to share their impressions
and discuss the relevance, themes and messages of “The Life Before Us” in
a judgment-free and welcoming environment.

“The
Life Before Us,” is told by Momo, an orphaned Arab boy and Madame Rosa, the
former lady of the night who cares for him and an ever-changing cast of
children with the aid of monthly checks she receives from their prostitute
mothers. When the checks stop coming and Madame Rosa’s health begins to
fail, the book’s real stories of love, belonging, identity and loss begin to emerge.

This program is free and open to the public; however, advance
registration is requested. To register, contact Glogowski at (607) 272-4557
extension 255 or sglogowski@tcpl.org.